History permeates the old jail, and its stories are compelling, Moore said.

“There is a story about soldiers who stole fish from a fish trap down by the creek. They were hung on the spot and buried right there,” Moore said. “It was the wild west in those days. Now the judicial system is much more complex and is certainly much fairer.”

In addition to the work inside the building, there will be a restaurant with a jail theme and the gardens will be recreated.

“People used to come to Eatonton just to see the gardens,” Moore said.

Several museums are in the works in Eatonton, and Moore sees this museum as another draw to entice visitors to the county.